Monday, February 19, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It seems like a natural. Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology and the Richard Petty Driving Experience announced a new partnership on Thursday designed to make the average Joe or Jane into a better driver.

In a joint statement, the two said more than 60 events are planned this year at such venues as Daytona International Speedway, Road America in Wisconsin, Watkins Glen in New York and Phoenix International Raceway. The first event will be held at the Texas Motor Speedway starting on February 23.

Programs include autocross, advanced car control, performance driving and drifting. At the end of each day, participants can ride shotgun and take a hot lap around the track with a Richard Petty Driving Experience professional driver. Vehicles in the program include the Dodge ViperSRT-10 coupe and roadster, along with the Dodge ChargerSRT8.

SRT owners get a one-day session rolled into the purchase of their vehicle. Non-SRT owners can participate for $500. The 2007 schedule is available at the Drive SRT Web site.